Elixir
noun /ɪˈlɪksər/ — A magical substance that transforms what it touches.
Definition
A magical or medicinal substance said to have transformative powers; an alchemical preparation; any substance believed to have a curative or restorative quality.
Beyond the definition
The alchemists spent their lives searching for two elixirs: the philosopher's stone (to turn lead into gold) and the elixir of life (to grant immortality). The word now names any substance — literal or metaphorical — that restores, transforms, or makes possible what seemed impossible.
Origin & history
From Arabic al-iksir, possibly from Greek xērion 'desiccative powder'. The Arabic alchemical term entered medieval Latin as elixir in the context of the philosopher's stone.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
For her, good coffee in silence was an elixir — twenty minutes that turned the worst morning survivable.
The coach described honest feedback as the elixir of improvement: painful and indispensable.
Alchemists spent centuries perfecting the elixir of life, not knowing they were refining chemistry.
How to use it
This entry uses a noun. Follow the examples for articles and singular or plural forms; not every noun takes “a” or “an.”
Choose “Elixir” when the meaning fits your context: A magical or medicinal substance said to have transformative powers; an alchemical preparation; any substance believed to have a curative or restorative quality.
Synonyms
potion, remedy, tonic, cure, panacea
Antonyms
poison, toxin
Related words
Questions about this word
What does "Elixir" mean?
Elixir is noun meaning: A magical substance that transforms what it touches.. A magical or medicinal substance said to have transformative powers; an alchemical preparation; any substance believed to have a curative or restorative quality.
Where does the word "Elixir" come from?
From Arabic al-iksir, possibly from Greek xērion 'desiccative powder'. The Arabic alchemical term entered medieval Latin as elixir in the context of the philosopher's stone.